Murkowski cosponsors Senate bill to restore Afghan Temporary Protected Status

Eligible Afghan nationals living in Alaska could regain temporary protection from removal and the ability to seek work authorization under a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware introduced the measure Aug. 6 as its primary sponsor, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska signed on as a cosponsor. The bill would grant Afghanistan Temporary Protected Status, which shields certain nationals of countries in crisis from deportation and lets them work. It was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Department of Homeland Security first designated Afghanistan for the status in 2022, then announced in May 2025 that it would end that July. "This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in the department's announcement. DHS said it had reviewed conditions with other agencies and concluded that security and the economy had improved enough that continuing the designation was not justified.

Supporters of Afghanistan TPS legislation argue the opposite: that returning Afghans could expose them to danger, persecution, or instability. Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, who has introduced a House version, called his bill "not a permanent immigration status, but a responsible bridge for vetted allies and families who stood with America and could face persecution or death if forced back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan."

For Afghans already in Alaska, the outcome decides whether they can lawfully stay and keep working. If the protection ends, some could lose work authorization and face removal; if it is restored, families could remain more settled in Alaska communities.

Alaska News previously covered guidance from Alaska's Office of Citizenship Assistance, which told status holders in its July newsletter to check the expiration date on their work permits, because federal rule changes have shortened or eliminated many automatic extensions.